San Basilio Hotel, Santiago de Cuba Cuba. 3 stars,

“I would only send my enemies here... ”
My wife and I stayed here for two nights on our recent trip to Cuba. We arrived in the evening and the guy who took our details down was extremely unwelcoming and as miserable a hotel receptionist as you could ever meet. He showed us to room 5, an appallingly tiny room where you could only squeeze into the door, with your suitcase sideways on, as the TV on its stand blocked half the doorway. Once in the room, there was simply nowhere to put a suitcase on the floor so we stacked the two chairs in the smelly bathroom and were able to get one of two cases onto the floor. The mini-bar menu (not that we wanted anything from the fridge) was badly-stained and almost illegible. When I pulled back the duvet cover to get into the bed, I was more than dismayed to find blood stains on both the sheet and the mattress cover. I stormed out to complain and we were shown into a larger room which was better but still very poorly furnished. The sheet on the bed there was also stained but, on assurances from my wife that it wasn't blood, we stayed there instead. The breakfast provided was minimal and not anything to get one's taste buds going whatsoever. I could go on about other things wrong with this place but will only say that this is truly an appaling place to stay and I would strongly advise folks to give it a wide berth.

“No Hotel!”
Having booked and paid to stay at this hotel, we turned up to find the place completed gutted and undergoing extensive renovations. The only people there were workmen. Obviously, not recommended! Hoping to get our money back somehow.

“Big no no Bad Neighbourhood ”
Very disappointed in hotel, not what we expected at all. Avoid room 4 at all costs. What we are about to say is all true. Wardrobe door kept falling off. No hot water at all in shower in mornings. Toilet cistern handle broke. Air con very very noist. TV never worked. We were moved to another room which was better, but not much. One of the main problems was a jazz club situated right behnid the hotel with music till 1pm. We heard other guests complaining about the noise, so beware if you are a light sleeper. I was mugged with my handbag stolen less than 50 metres from the hotel. I realise this is not the fault of the hotel but guests have to know that the safest way back to the hotel after 10pm is by taxi (we were told that after 10pm it is dangerous to walk around)

“Just an okay hotel close to the city's heart. ”
This hotel is close to the city's downtown. It is nice inside though you have to watch out for the people that work here. I visited family in Santiago with one of my friends and we had to stay at a hotel because my friend couldn't stay with my family due to the government silliness. I came across this hotel online through a travel agents' website that deals with the Cuban hotel companies and the price was 11 CUC per night. I arrived to the hotel and asked the front desk how much was per night and the guy seemed like he was trying to fool me and said 85 CUC per night. I could tell just by looking at his face he was trying to rip me off. I left the hotel immediately, I dislike dishonest people and unfortunately that's how Cuba has made most of its people. They don't get pay well so the best way is to rip off the tourists. As a cuban my advise is to be careful in the island. There is no customer service and if you encounter a problem it will be your worst nightmare because they will try to make you responsible at all costs. If you visit, you are better off staying at Casas Particulares, they offer more security and the food is way better than this government run hotels.

“loved hotel hated the noise and lack of water”
stayed two nights.staff helpful and pleasant but several problems with the hotel. 1.lack of water in the shower 2.noise of bar/dance venue in the street behind the hotel and early morning noise in the hotel from 6am led to lack of sleep 3.breakfast poor 4.found feral cat in my bedroom when going to bed 5.lack of comfy seating area in courtyard location great

“Very good hotel - but terrible people around”
I had rated 5 stars for the Hotel Alone, but always When we left the house we had been awaited by touts who wanted to recommend restaurants. It wasn't possible to Walk Even 50 Meters to our rental car without being approched by one tout in Minimum. These guys have been much more aggressive than touts in Havana or Trinidad. The Hotel Management should taken Actions to Protect their guests but I'm Not sure they really are aiming to do this.

“Lovely hotel let down slightly by dodgy shower, AC, and noise! ”
My parents (aged 60) and I (aged 23) recently went on a tailor-made tour of Cuba, and during our trip we spent 2 nights in Santiago de Cuba at the Hotel San Basilio (my parents also stayed here in July 2009, during the carnival). Background on me: I?ve travelled fairly extensively over the last few years, to Cuba, the DR, Mexico, Turkey, Europe etc, staying in various hotels from basic 2* hotels to 5* luxury adult only resorts, and try to be realistic in my expectations. For me, the major pluses of San Basilio hotel are it?s location (very central), the size (it is very intimate with just 8 rooms), and the decor: the rooms are beautifully decorated and furnished in traditional colonial style. I was very close to giving the San Basilio 4/5, but a couple of things (like the AC which wasn?t great, and the noise which was tiresome) made me give it a three; but, I?d say it?s really a 3.5/5, or a 7/10. I?ll break my review into sections for ease: Check-in: quick, efficient, and friendly, with rooms ready for us. Rooms: we had two double/twin rooms. My room was large, with two large single beds, a decent sized wardrobe, a dressing table with a mirror and satellite TV, plus two chairs and a table. Small safe in the room available at an extra charge (as with many hotels in Cuba, don?t expect to fit much in it; when I say small, I mean small!). Mini-bar and fridge, but the mini-bar was overpriced IMO (2 CUC for a local beer), and wasn?t fully stocked. The AC wasn?t great (I?d suggest leaving it on when out to get any benefit from it), and the rooms were noisy at night, with music playing loudly close-by until 12am (bring ear plugs!). The bathroom was large and clean, with a good hairdryer, but the shower was poor; though, I do have long hair and still managed OK, it just took longer. Plenty of towels provided (2 large plus a handtowel pp). Breakfast: not great. Eggs cooked to order with bread or toast and jam, and a small amount of fruit, plus a juice and a tea or coffee. A la carte so no helping yourself! Location: very good; extremely central with the Rum museum and a paladare down the road; close to all the museums, the Casa de la Trova, etc (approx 5-10 min walk). This hotel really is very pretty and I did enjoy my stay here; it is not fancy by any means, but the decor and rooms are lovely, and the staff are very friendly (which can be unusual from my experiences in Cuba!). I would highly recommend it for a short stay, and it would make a lovely choice for a couple (I really wished by OH was with me as it was really quite charming and romantic). If you would like any more info, please PM me and I?d be happy to help.

“Really small, welcoming and so friendly”
There are just 8 rooms and it always seemed full, so book in advance? All the staff from the cleaner to reception were all so friendly. They only do breakfast as a meal, and of the 5 places we stayed on our recent visit to Cuba, this was the only place where breakfast was served to you at your table. There wasn't a lot of choice (choice of the way you like eggs), but it was filling. Rooms go off 2 tiled and shady courtyards. There are seats here and rocking chairs in reception should you need to relax! Our room was dark as we kept the shutters closed (our choice), but there was plenty of storage and the bathroom was a good size with plenty of toiletries. There are plenty of places to eat (and drink) nearby within very easy walking distance.

“Great location. Safe as anywhere if sensible. ”
We stayed 2 nights. Staff were always helpful; yes the neighbouring music was loud at times during the evening but use earplugs or just get so tired with the heat and walking during the day/night that you can sleep through anything! Really conveniently located one block from a lively part of town. The Artex bar that is around the block behind the hostal had the best music in our 3 weeks in Cuba; a group called Fenix - wonderful voices. Enjoyed our stay. Great entertainment in the square 2 blocks behind the hotel in the evenings. A great History Museum in the square (oldest black building) with a very informative guide. Enjoy Cuba with it's aliveness & fascinating foibles; and wonderful culture & people. Love the way the squares or Plazas are a hive of family activity in the evenings.

“Beautiful architecture, great location but noisy ”
We really enjoyed the central location of this small hotel with stunning tiled courtyards. The rooms have high ceilings and have a high level of furnishing. Room 5 and 6 were subject to the amplified music from the night club behind. It as deafening, so beware if you are a light sleeper. We changed rooms and the two of us had to shoe horn into a small double bed as it was fully booked. We got no sleep there either. Reception were very helpful organising various trips.

“Beautiful rooms and great location ”
This is a lovely hostal. Perfect location, easy to park outside, spotlessly clean and large cool rooms. But the noise from the neighbouring club is deafening - beware if you are a light sleeper or need an early night!

“Lovely hotel and very helpful staff ”
We thought this was a great hotel - lovely old colonial building and well situated, but the best thing about it were the very helpful and pleasant staff. Breakfast was excellent - freshly cooked eggs / toasted sandwich, fruit juice, fresh fruit and endless coffee, what more could you want? Nice clean bathroom although the water supply was a little weak. Santiago is a lovely city, but do be warned, the touts were some of the most persistent and at times nasty we have come across in Cuba - they just don't seem to understand no thanks - you have to be VERY firm to get rid of them, and that is a pity as there are so many lovely people in Cuba too.

“Very helpful staff ”
During our three-night stay here both my husband and I were very ill with D & V. The lovely lady on reception (Magda?), who also cooked breakfast, was endlessly helpful and often asked us if there was anything we needed and offered to call a doctor, make tea or prepare simple food for us. She also helped with phone calls when we could not contact our rep. We were very grateful for her help. As far as the hotel is concerned, it is small - about 8 rooms - and located on what appears to be a back street but is actually only one block from the main drag. We had an L-shaped room as it wrapped round a corner of the patio, but this meant it was a bit small and short of floor space to put our luggage. The bathroom was very large and well appointed. However our main concern was the lack of a safe in the room - the male receptionist who checked us in simply said "the building is safe". In short, a pleasant hotel and, apart from the lack of a safe, we had no complaints.

“Great for the right type of people ”
The Hotel Basilo is great place to stay in Santiago if you are looking for good value accommodation in a central location. The building is beautiful and has original features everywhere. The rooms are small but they come with good air conditioning units, a TV with american channels and a mini fridge with soft drinks in. For us it was perfect.

“Best location in Santiago - best value for money ”
Cheap, clean, well located, spacious rooms. Good price since there are not much alternatives in Santiago, as far as hostels are concerned.

“You'll need good luck finding this hotel ”
A lovely boutique hotel (only 8 rooms) all recentlyrenovated with beautiful mosaic tiling & bathrooms. Very difficult hotel to locate if driving - parking (supervised at night only) in the narrow street . Rooms airconditioned but no pool ( a drawback in the intense heat and humidty of Santiago de Cuba in June/July), fridge in room, luxurious toiletries supplied, breakfast in tiny but pleasant dining room. Easy walk to most attractions (rum museum just down the street) and main shopping street. Staff helpful and nice. Avoid noisy room 2 which is adjacent to reception where the TV is on all night and staff & guests are constantly coming & going. Be sure to have a good map and lots of patience when trying to find this hotel.

“A little paradise in Santiago city. ”
Charming little place on a Santiago back street just a couple of blocks from the beaten path. The hotel has 8 rooms currently all priced 60 cuc year round whether double or single. The rooms are decorated in blue fashion and well furnished with good sized private bathrooms. There is a petit dining room to have your free breakfast and an equally small waiting area for guests when they arrive. The hotel is situated well with everything you need close by. Plazas Delores, Marti, and Parque Céspedes are all within 10 minutes walking distance. Many drink spots and restaurants are in the area to choose from. A few museums, banks, and the post office are in the vicinity. Nothing much on the negative side to say about hotel San Basilio. I did find the the mini bar selection in the room to be ridiculously priced and opted to buy my refrescos somewhere else at a much cheaper price. With the a/c on at night there was no noise problem. A quaint and relaxing hideaway.

“Lovely place to stay and staff very helpful ”
Our room was large and clean with a large clean bathroom.. The Hotel is near all attractions. The family who run it and the staff were great. They don't serve dinner but there are lots of eating places nearby. We parked our car on the street outside the hotel with no problems. They have a night security person who keeps an eye on the cars. There is a man (nothing to do with the hotel) who will "wash" your car with a dirty cloth and little or no water; tell him not to do it.

“Charming (Peaceful!) Hotel in Santiago de Cuba ”
Truly the best place in Santiago to stay-- colonial charm but best of all very peaceful. Right around the corner from the main square but away from all the noise and chaos... The gentleman who worked at the front desk was extremely helpful and courteous. Very nice breakfast included in the price as well.

“Great hotel! Centrally located, quiet, beautiful rooms. ”
We were so happy with this hotel. We booked two days in advance and were rewarded with room number 4. Very convenient, spacious room, obviously recently renovated (as is the rest of the hotel). This is really a quiet haven in somewhat hectic Santiago. From the outside, the place looks beautiful, and so do the inside patios. The only downside to the rooms might be the lack of windows, only two small ones, very high up, but that did not bother us at all. It is a safe place, you can leave your key at the frontdesk without a problem and staff is helpfull and always willing to give recommendations.

“Another gem ”
Great location, great rooms, great service. the lonely plant is not wrong about this place.

“Great hotel on a great spot ”
Located in the very heart of Santiago de Cuba, this is one the best accomodations in town. The beautiful building is in walking distance of all the cities sights but still very calm. There's a few private parkingspots right in front of the hotel. The small hotel has only a few rooms that all surround two well maintained, elegantly tiled and plant-filled courts. The rooms are spacious with high ceilings and nice colonial style furniture. Clean bathrooms and sheets, a silent airconditioning and a working fridge all meet the expectations. The small breakfast room serves fresh fruit and wellmade sandwiches and some snacks during the day. San Basilio's staff is friendly, but a bit on the formal side. The softdrinks in the room's fridge were free, according to the staffmember on the reception the day of arrival, but appeared on the bill when we checked out another personel.

“Charming chic Hotel in the Backstreets of Santiago, feels like the "Real Cuba" ”
We stayed in the San Basilio (The faulty towers reference was more than we could resist!) and loved every minute of it. It is tucked a few (2-3) minutes walk from the main square and was in the middle of what seemed to be a residential street in Santiago. It had just been refurbished and we must have been one of the first visitors to the Hotel (BTW, they call it a hostel?) . We were told that it used to be the house of a wealthy merchant, and the size of the rooms, would seem to back that up, nice little courtyard, and THE most charming group of ladies that ran it with a huge amount of pride and professionalism. I didn't get to see all the rooms, but I would guess there are no more than 10? It has oodles of charm, really comfortable and clean and the style is modern Spanish chic. The best bit is walking around the street outside, real Cuban life is amazing and almost cliched, the area between the San Basilio and the main square is full on and whilst it felt safe, it also felt like a real Cuban experience. We booked the San Basilio as part of a holiday with an outfit called Captivating Cuba ( www.captivatingcuba.com) I haven't seen the hotel on any other sites, but it may be worth searching. I spoke to a lady called Yasna who was really helpful. Thoroughly recommended - Cuba is a fantastic place and we are definitely going back